3lb Games may sound like the name of a company that only specializes in games, but we do so much more than that. We are also experienced with supply chain and inventory management. We understand the importance of having excellent coordination in all steps of the supply chain to speed up the processes and maintain the same quality, while keeping costs low. More importantly, we know a speedy, efficient supply chain also means improved customer satisfaction. We can help you and your business improve supply chain efficiency, customer value, product availability, faster delivery, and save you money in operating costs.
Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management involves managing the flow of goods and services from it’s very beginning state of raw materials, to the ending stage where it reaches the end user or customer. The supply chain starts with the supplier who obtains the raw materials from a source, and produces the product. These products are kept in inventory which is then shipped out to stores for selling. The sold products are then shipped directly to the customers.
Managing this process includes procurement, production scheduling, order processing, inventory control, transportation, warehousing and customer service. Proper supply chain management will make the entire process seamless and fluid while also lowering costs for you.
Inventory Management
Inventory management is a component of supply chain management. Like Supply Chain management, it involves supervising and controlling the flow of product from the supplier to the customer. More specifically though, it’s about keeping precise records of product entering and leaving the warehouse as well as product sold at stores. To have successful inventory management, planning must be done to ensure that the proper amount of product is available – not too much and not too little. There should be a steady flow of product leaving and entering so there doesn’t become a surplus of product in the warehouse. Higher levels of inventory mean higher costs for you. Low levels could mean that customer demands aren’t being properly met.
The diagram below is an example of an inventory management solution involving stratification, forecasting improvement, and tying them in to reorder points.
Stratification is the first step to classify and categorize items, making them more manageable. After that it becomes much easier to forecast. Now that you have accurate forecasting from stratification, it will help in calculating demand during lead time (DDLT). Improvements in forecasting will also help you prepare safety stock that will mitigate the risk of stockouts. The stratification step completed in the beginning will allow you to determine the right fill rate for the safety stock. All of the components above will tie in together to calculate the reorder point. All steps are effected by the previous in the process and come together at the reorder point and replenishment. With all the previous processes improved and accurate, the reorder points will be perfected and replenishment will occur in a timely manner.